This 3-Day Bahamas Getaway Felt Like a World Away (But It’s a Quick Ferry Ride from Fort Lauderdale)

Despite living in South Florida for two decades, I only recently discovered the magic of Bimini, a tiny Bahamian island just 50 miles from Florida’s coast. During a recent three-day getaway to Resorts World Bimini, I spent my time soaking up the sun and savoring the local cuisine. Bimini is the perfect quick escape for locals, but it also serves as an incredible add-on to any Florida vacation. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own trip.

Bimini is made up of three islands (North, South, and East Bimini) and a few smaller islets and cays, but most of the action happens on North Bimini. Surprisingly, though, this bustling hub is only 7 miles long and 700 ft wide and is home to approximately 2,500 full-time residents. 

For such a small island, North Bimini also played a big role as a sanctuary for a few legendary figures. American novelist Ernest Hemingway lived here from 1935 to 1937, a period that inspired him to write The Old Man and the Sea. Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. also found refuge in North Bimini to write part of his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 1964. While the island once offered peace and tranquility with just a few small cottages along its pristine beaches, today’s travelers can enjoy that same quiet seclusion with far more amenities.

Planning your own escape is simple, but there are a few key details to consider. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you’ll need a passport to visit Bimini. The best time to visit is during the summer low season, from April to November, but keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 1, bringing potential inclement weather. Bimini is also known for fishing, and if you’re a fishing enthusiast, you can plan a trip around various fishing tournaments like the annual Slicker Wahoo Tournament in December.

The most common way to arrive is by flying into Bimini International Airport, which is located in South Bimini. From there, a short taxi and a 10-minute ferry ride will take you to the main island of North Bimini. Most visitors from South Florida opt to take the Balearia Caribbean ferry, which sails to Bimini three to four times a week, depending on the season. 

I opted for the ferry, which sailed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. The two-hour ride was smooth, and I upgraded to premium economy, which includes a light boxed lunch and a beverage. If you have kids or are traveling with a large group, I recommend taking the ferry, as it allows you the freedom to walk between decks or enjoy fresh air outside. 

Before arriving in North Bimini, you’ll need to fill out an immigration form upon disembarking and go through immigration, which is a relatively seamless process. There’s an immigration station steps from the ferry, and I was in and out in about 20 minutes. A shuttle from Resorts World Bimini met us at the ferry port, and five minutes later, we arrived at the resort. 

My three-day getaway to Bimini was one of the most relaxing vacations I’ve taken recently, proving that the perfect agenda can simply be a good beach, great food, and plenty of time on the water. The resort is a marina front property on the quiet northern end of the island. As soon as I arrived, I settled into my ground-floor suite that had a private patio with swim-out access, connecting me directly to the resort’s main pool and its swim-up bar, Oasis. In addition to this pool, the property also offers a separate, adults-only rooftop pool and bar, Monkey Business. 

Although the resort isn’t directly on the beach, Resorts World Bimini Beach is just a five-minute shuttle ride away, departing every 20-30 minutes. My first afternoon was spent at Bimini Beach, the resort’s gorgeous 4.5-acre oceanfront club. It features two pools (one is adults only), two poolside bars, and a restaurant, but the real star is the beach itself, which offers some of the softest sand and clearest water in the Bahamas. Bimini Beach also provides access to various water sports, including jet ski rentals, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and kayaking.  

In the following days, I rented a golf cart to explore the rest of the island. Right outside the resort, there’s a shopping and dining area called Fisherman’s Village. Beyond the resort gates, there are a few local bars and restaurants in Alice Town, North Bimini’s capital. It took me about 20 minutes to reach the end of the island, which culminated in a beautiful (but rocky) beachfront. 

During my stay, I ate my way through the resort, and there were lots of culinary highlights. Standouts included a tasty conch salad at Beach Club 360, delicate California rolls from The Sushi Bar, and a plate of mouth-watering lamb chops at The Tides. And while I couldn’t fit it all in this trip, beyond the resort, no visit is complete without trying the legendary lobster pizza at Edith’s Pizza or grabbing a “Bimini Knockout” punch from Stuart’s Conch Stand. 

If you’d like to maximize your time in Bimini, there are a few other things you can do. The hotel has a 10,000 sq ft casino and sports bar Hemingway’s, and the fifth floor has a five-treatment room spa for an afternoon of pampering. The resort also offers a comprehensive range of excursions on the water with Bimini Blue Adventures, including stingray tours, fishing trips, and sunset cruises. 

Although I traveled to Bimini on a solo trip, I’d recommend Bimini for a girls’ getaway, a quick family vacation, or a special occasion with a partner. Bimini Beach is gorgeous, the food is delicious, and the vibe is effortlessly relaxing. While those looking for non-stop action might prefer Nassau, Bimini has the perfect amount to do for a long weekend. Ultimately, the island is best for travelers seeking an uncomplicated escape centered on sunshine, good food, and a good time on the water.